UPDATE: The City of Hazleton is actively seeking community input to revamp Pagnotti Field and Columbus Playground, addressing urgent needs for renovations. A public meeting is set for November 20, 2025, at noon at City Hall, where residents can share suggestions on improving these vital recreational areas.
The parks currently face critical issues—Pagnotti Field, home to a popular adult softball league and children’s baseball clinics, lacks essential restrooms, while Columbus Playground features outdated and non-compliant equipment. Nicole Keegan, a landscape architect with Barry Isett and Associates, emphasized the importance of the public’s voice in shaping a new vision for these spaces, stating, “What we really want to do is hear from the public.”
Access to the parks poses challenges, with inadequate signage and parking issues frustrating first-time visitors. Keegan noted that the existing playground lacks necessary access from sidewalks, violating Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. “We’ll be looking at ADA access, universal design, and creating a vision for the park,” she added.
Community members like Junior Reyes, who manages the Hazleton Softball League, advocate for improvements, including an additional ballfield to accommodate more games and potential tournaments. “If we could get bathrooms, you could imagine how helpful that would be,” Reyes remarked, highlighting the $120 monthly expense for renting portable toilets.
With a $37,000 grant secured, the city is poised to develop a master plan for phased improvements, enabling them to seek further funding for upgrades. The urgency is palpable as local residents and visitors alike look forward to a revitalized recreational experience at Pagnotti Field and Columbus Playground.
For those unable to attend the meeting, suggestions can still be submitted through a survey created by Barry Isett. This is a crucial opportunity for the community to influence the future of their parks—don’t miss your chance to voice your ideas and help shape a better recreational environment for all.
